Paper Products Market Report 2026

The paper products market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.07 trillion in 2025 to $1.13 trillion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of publishing and printing industries, growth in consumer goods packaging, rising hygiene awareness, availability of wood pulp resources, development of paper recycling infrastructure.

The paper products market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.48 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives, rising investments in recycled pulp processing, expansion of e-commerce packaging consumption, growing focus on low-carbon paper manufacturing, innovation in specialty paper grades. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of recycled fiber paper products, rising demand for packaging and sanitary paper, expansion of corrugated paper applications, growing adoption of lightweight paperboard solutions, enhanced focus on sustainable forestry sourcing.

The growing use of packaging-grade paper is expected to drive the expansion of the paper products market in the coming years. Packaging-grade paper includes various types of paper used across the packaging sector. Rising demand from multiple end-use industries, increasing consumer awareness of sustainability, and the growing need for eco-friendly packaging solutions have contributed to higher adoption of paper-based products. For example, in May 2024, according to the American Forest & Paper Association, a US-based trade association, total shipments of packaging papers and specialty packaging in August increased by 12% compared with August 2023 and also recorded a 12% rise compared with the same eight-month period of 2023. Therefore, the increased utilization of packaging-grade paper is fueling growth in the paper products market.

Major companies operating in the paper products market are concentrating on the development of innovative packaging solutions, such as embossed paper technologies, to improve product protection, durability, and visual appeal. Embossed paper technology involves creating raised textures or patterns on paper surfaces through the application of pressure and heat, enabling enhanced cushioning, improved grip, and stronger aesthetic presentation. For instance, in August 2024, Sealed Air, a US-based packaging company, introduced BUBBLE WRAP Brand Ready-To-Roll Embossed Paper. This solution is designed to offer improved protection for fragile goods during transportation, with the embossed texture providing added cushioning and the roll format enabling efficient dispensing for packing operations. The product also reflects Sealed Air’s focus on sustainability and environmentally responsible protective packaging solutions.

In November 2024, APP Group, an Indonesia-based provider of pulp, paper, tissue, and packaging products, acquired MSS Holdings for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, APP Group aims to strengthen its presence in the Asian tissue and hygiene paper market by gaining access to established consumer brands and a nationwide distribution network in South Korea, supporting accelerated growth and long-term scale. MSS Holdings Co. Ltd. is a South Korea-based manufacturer of tissue and hygiene paper products, including toilet paper, tissue paper, and wet wipes, sold under recognized brands such as CODI and Monalisa.

Major companies operating in the paper products market are International Paper Company, Oji Holdings Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Kimberly Clark Corporation, Procter & Gamble, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, Essity Aktiebolag, Mondi PLC, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., Cascades, Inc., Hokuetsu Kishu, Ballarpur Industries Limited (BILT), Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited, Genus Paper & Boards Limited, Forests Packaging Shanghai Group Co. Ltd., DS Smith PLC, WestRock, Hamburger Containerboard GmbH, Papierfabrik Palm GmbH & Co KG, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA), Bio Pappel SAB de CV, Domtar, Verso Paper Holdings, Stora Enso Oyj, Klabin, Eldorado Brazil Celulose, CMPC Celulose Riograndense, Santher Fabrica de Papel, Celulose Irani, United Carton Industries Company (UCIC), AL-DHAFRA Paper Manufacturing Company, Dubai, AL REMAL Carton and Paper Industry, Tarboosh Packaging Co Llc, Sappi Southern Africa Ltd, Mthembu Paper Mill (Pty) Ltd, Tissue Works (Pty) Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the paper products market in 2025. North America was the second largest region in the paper products market. The regions covered in the paper products market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the paper products market report are China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa.

The paper products market consists of sales of graphic paper, commercial paper, retail sales, and e-commerce. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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